Introduction
Some stories just have that zing, and Honey Lemon Soda is one of them. Since its debut in Ribon magazine in 2015, this shoujo gem has quietly taken the manga world by storm—so much so that it has sold over 13 million copies without even having an anime adaptation. That’s not luck—that’s pure love from dedicated fans.
At first glance, it’s got all the usual ingredients of a classic high school romance: shy girl, cool boy, and a slow-burn love story packed with heart-fluttering moments. But somehow, Honey Lemon Soda fizzes with something special. Maybe it’s the way the characters feel so real. Maybe it’s the perfect mix of fluff and emotional depth. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s proof that sometimes, a sweet and simple love story is exactly what we need.
A Classic Shoujo Story Done Right
Uka Ishimori and Kai Miura, our protagonists.
The story follows Uka Ishimori, a quiet and socially awkward girl who had a rough time in middle school. She was bullied, called "Stone" because she tended to freeze up in social situations, and generally had a hard time fitting in. The bullying was so bad that she couldn’t even walk outside without being harassed by her classmates. One day, after being cornered by a group of girls, she’s unexpectedly saved by Kai Miura, a handsome boy with messy blonde hair and a bottle of lemon soda in his hand. He casually suggests she try attending Hachimitsu High School, and although she initially aimed for a different school, a nervous slip-up during the entrance exams lands her exactly where he recommended.
Determined to start fresh, Uka arrives at Hachimitsu High, only to run into Miura again—and in classic shoujo fashion, their fates become intertwined. Miura is popular but distant, the type of guy who keeps most people at arm’s length, but for some reason, he seems to take a special interest in Uka. After accidentally spraying her with his lemon soda while trying to shake off his own harassers, he takes her under his wing, introducing her to his group of friends: Ayumi Endo, Satoru Seto, and Tomoya Takamine. From that moment on, Uka’s world starts to change.
The story isn’t revolutionary—it follows a lot of classic shoujo tropes, and if you’ve read a fair share of romance manga, you’ll probably see where things are headed. But Honey Lemon Soda doesn’t need to reinvent the genre to be enjoyable. It executes the familiar elements really well, with emotional depth, lovable characters, and just the right balance of drama and fluff.
Characters That Grow on You
The main cast of Honey Lemon Soda.
One of the best things about this series is how much you grow to love the characters.
Uka, as the main character, is incredibly relatable. She starts off timid, struggling with the trauma of her middle school bullying, but she’s actively trying to change. Unlike some shoujo heroines who seem to magically become confident overnight, Uka’s growth feels real and earned. She takes small, meaningful steps toward becoming a more open and expressive version of herself. Sure, she cries a lot, but honestly, it makes sense—after spending years emotionally shutting down, suddenly having the freedom to feel things can be overwhelming.
Kai, on the other hand, is the classic "cool but secretly soft" love interest. He has a bit of a sleepy, unbothered vibe, but there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface. His lack of facial expressions isn’t just a personality quirk—it ties back to his complicated family background, which has made him emotionally guarded. Despite that, he’s straightforward and supportive, never playing mind games or causing unnecessary drama. He’s the kind of character who doesn’t say much but speaks volumes through his actions.
The side characters don’t get as much development, but they still add a lot to the story. Ayumi is the reliable female friend that Uka needs, always pushing her to try new things. Tomoya, Miura’s best friend, is the observant one who knows exactly when to nudge the main couple in the right direction. Serina, who at first seems like she might be a rival, actually turns out to be a great character in her own right. And then there’s Satoru, who mostly exists for comic relief but helps keep the story lighthearted.
Familiar, Yet Comforting
Kai and Uka, as seen in the manga.
There’s no denying that Honey Lemon Soda is predictable. It doesn’t throw in shocking plot twists or subvert expectations—it’s exactly what it looks like: a cute, heartfelt high school romance. But honestly? That’s part of its charm.
Not every story needs to break new ground. Sometimes, you just want to watch two awkward teenagers fall in love, work through their insecurities, and support each other through the ups and downs of high school life. The manga does a great job of making those small moments—like a shared soda, a quiet conversation, or a simple act of kindness—feel meaningful.
And while the beginning of the series deals with bullying and self-esteem issues, it gradually shifts to a more lighthearted tone, focusing on Uka’s experiences, friendships, and personal growth. Misunderstandings happen, as they always do in shoujo, but they’re never dragged out or frustratingly exaggerated. One of the best things about Uka and Kai’s relationship is that they actually communicate, which helps avoid the annoying "will-they-won't-they" drama that plagues so many romance series.
The Anime Adaptation and its Hype
Visually, Honey Lemon Soda already has a strong foundation. Mayu Murata’s art style is gorgeous, with delicate character designs and expressive faces that capture every little emotion. The anime adaptation, handled by J.C. Staff, seems to be staying true to the manga’s aesthetic, with clean visuals and a soft, inviting color palette.
While it’s unlikely to be a groundbreaking animation spectacle, it doesn’t need to be. As long as the adaptation captures the warmth and charm of the manga, fans will be happy. The opening and ending themes are also great and catchy, adding to the overall feel-good vibe of the series.
Should You Watch or Read Honey Lemon Soda?
If you’re looking for a mind-blowing, unique romance story, Honey Lemon Soda probably won’t be it. But if you love sweet, wholesome high school romances with a focus on personal growth, supportive relationships, and a little bit of fluffy drama, this one’s worth checking out.
There’s a reason this series has sold over 13 million copies and remained so popular for years. It’s not about breaking the mold—it’s about perfecting the familiar, delivering a cozy, heartfelt romance that makes you smile.
And really, sometimes that’s all you need. And maybe you also need some Honey Lemon Soda merchandise, which you can order here at ZenPlus, shipped to you straight from Japan!
TVアニメ『ハニーレモンソーダ』第1弾PV│Honey Lemon Soda│OFFICIAL TRAILER 1
TVアニメ『ハニーレモンソーダ』第2弾PV│25年1月8日放送開始！│
『ハニーレモンソーダ』ノンクレジットオープニング│＆TEAM「Magic Hour 」 │Honey Lemon Soda Opening
What do you think?
Will Uka and Kai end up together?
How did Uka change compared to her middle school days?
Will the manga continue past their third year?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook! We’d love to hear from you!
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You can watch Honey Lemon Soda on Crunchyroll.
About the Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
